China's top legislator vows closer parliamentary exchanges with Chile

BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Wu Bangguo pledged here on Monday to boost closer parliamentary exchanges and cooperation with Chile.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, made the remarks while meeting with Patricio Melero Abaroa, president of Chile's Chamber of Deputies.

Wu hailed the progress of China-Chile ties since the forging of diplomatic ties and especially since the launching of bilateral all-around cooperative ties, citing frequent high-level exchanges, and close contacts among governments, parliaments, parties and local governments.

He said the two countries have had fruitful cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, mining and finance, vigorous cultural exchanges and maintained close coordination in global and regional affairs.

Calling Chile an important cooperative partner of China in Latin America, Wu said China attaches great importance to its relations with Chile. The NPC is ready to cement friendly exchanges and frank dialogues with Chile's Chamber of Deputies and Senate, and share experiences in country governance and the building of democratic and legal systems.

Melero said his delegation consists of presidents of major parties of Chile's Chamber of Deputies, which reflects the strong desire of various political parties to cement relations with China.

Chile is ready to further exchanges with China among governments, parliaments, political parties and people, and expand substantial bilateral cooperation, he said.